Lee's Diet

The Wall Street Journal Europe

Updated Jan. 24, 2008 12:01 a.m. ET

Lee Myung-bak won the presidency of South Korea last month on a promise of reform, and what better place to start than in his own backyard. Mr. Lee, who takes office on February 25, recently announced a plan to "slimline" the government to better suit Korea's aspirations to become an economic hub.

Mr. Lee proposes cutting the number of ministries to 13 from 18. Gone would be the Ministry for Gender Equality and Family, folded into the Ministry of Health and Welfare. In a sign that he is serious about his pledge...